GPs and care providers in North Cornwall will be “pushed to the brink” without an exemption from the Budget’s National Insurance tax hike, according to the MP for North Cornwall.

He said that North Cornwall GP’s and care providers are already in crisis, but the tax hike will add to the pressure by forcing small care providers and GPs to pay more in National Insurance Contributions.

The government provided extra funding for the NHS and other public sector organisations to cover the cost of the tax rise. However, GPs and the vast majority of care providers are private and so won't benefit from this help.

The MP has said that in his view, crucial health and care services in North Cornwall should be exempted from the National Insurance hike - or risk them shutting up shop.

Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire, said: “When I speak to GPs and care providers in North Cornwall, they tell me of the immense pressure that they are under following years of Conservative mismanagement.

“The decisions the Chancellor made at the Budget will push those crucial services to the brink. Some could even be forced to shut up shop.

“People must be able to access decent health and care services. To deliver this, the government must change course and exempt GPs and care providers here in North Cornwall from the tax hike.

“I met with GPs just last week to discuss a dedicated new building here in North Cornwall. This is the kind of effort that should be taking priority, to ensure that our local residents can schedule an appointment with their local GP quickly and without worry.

“The hike in National Insurance, however, is a step in the wrong direction entirely.”